Holidays in Taormina marry history and culture to form an unforgettable experience in Italy. It’s perched at the top of Monte Tauro in the foothills of Mount Etna on Sicily’s Eastern coastline, between the cities of Catania and Messina. This ancient town offers visitors a view into the past with a number of elegantly preserved historic treasures, from the grand Greek-Roman Theatre to the equally impressive Palazzo Corvaja, which are just waiting to be discovered.
You don’t have to be a history buff to make the most of everything Taormina has to offer. Alongside the historical sights there are plenty of other attractions to take in. The main street, Corso Umberto, is traffic free and home to an array of shops and restaurants to rival any in the bigger cities.
There are also plenty of seaside activities to dive into thanks to the town’s coastal setting. Adventurous travellers can try watersports like wind surfing and snorkelling, while relaxing scenic boat tours around the gorgeous capes and grottos of the Ionian Sea allow you to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, simply spend long tranquil days on sun soaked shingle beaches.
Citalia has over 90 years of expertise in helping holidaymakers experience Italy in ways they never have before. We’ll help you create a once in a lifetime holiday in Taormina you’ll find nowhere else.
The Church of Madonna della Rocca is often overlooked in favour of more popular attractions, but it is well worth a visit. This tiny church, nestled in a limestone cliff overlooking the town, dates back to the 17th Century and sits beside an abandoned Basilian monastery. It requires a climb or cable car ride to reach, but the quiet modesty of the sanctuary and views of the town and bay below are well worth it.
You mustn’t leave Taormina without paying a visit to C&G (Cioccolato e Gelato), a hidden gem located on the Corso Umberto. This delightful café offers the opportunity to sip the finest Italian coffee or dig in to one of their famed deserts while enjoying magnificent views of Mount Etna from their terrace seating area.
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Discover more of Italy on a multi-centre holiday
Discover more of Italy on a multi-centre holiday
No holiday to Taormina is complete without seeing some of its many impressive historical monuments. The best of them all is perhaps the ancient Greek-Roman Theatre which still hosts live shows more than 2,000 years after it was built. The view of the town and bay below is truly breath taking. There is also the smaller but no less evocative Odeon or “small theatre,” built in 21 BC.
The Palazzo Corvaja is a magnificent medieval palace found at the beginning of the Corso Umberto. It boasts a fascinating blend of architectural styles that reflect the various occupants of the island throughout history, with elements of Arabic, Norman and Gothic styles. Close by is the remarkable church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, which dates back to at least 1610 and features an exquisite marble sculpture of its namesake.
The medieval houses of the bustling Corso Umberto are now home to an assortment of charming antique and souvenir shops. If you’re craving relaxation after the shopping and sightseeing, the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” Isola Bella, is connected to the main island via a short narrow walkway and it’s home to a rocky beach perfect for sunbathing.
San Guiseppe
The closest airport to Taormina is Catania (CTA), which is about 1 hour from Taormina and Taormina Mare. Direct flights to Catania are available from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester and take approxmimately 3 hours.
Taormina is big on food, with well over a hundred restaurants, and many of these authentic trattorie where you can enjoy deliciously fresh cuisine. Unlike many of the other nearby resorts, Taormina also boasts a handful of fine dining options for those special occasions, serving fine wines from the island itself. There are lots of romantic options, too, and it’s always easy to finish a meal with some fresh gelato from one of the many gelaterie nearby.
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